iRules® are one of the many features that set F5 Networks® apart from their competition. Try as the other competitors may, iRules are still the most advanced way to augment Client-side and Server-side connections. Aside from making decisions based on header data, iRules even allow us to make traffic decisions on any type of payload content or data you define. Our F5 iRule Consulting – Development & Support process sets us apart from the competition. Read our process below to learn how we tackle your advanced content switching & Security needs.
Our iRule Development Process
- Problem Evaluation: We’ll meet with your application team & developers to understand the issue(s) at hand & gather requirements. We collect all critical data with tools like tcpdump, Fiddler, & HttpWatch to understand the entire picture before determining the best solution. Sometimes the desired solution may not even require an iRule at all. Many organizations don’t realize that with F5’s latest code you can perform a lot of common tasks like HTTP header manipulation and payload insertions and deletions with built-in features such as Local Traffic Policies and/or Stream profiles. Even though iRules are fast and reliable, F5 recommends using built-in features to accomplish a task before reaching for an iRule, because the compiled code will always outperform an iRule script. When the situation calls for customizing your environment beyond the built-in capabilities of the BIG-IP® software, an F5 iRule is the best way to get it done.
- Development and Testing: Once we thoroughly understand the issue at hand, we’ll take your requirements and start to develop your iRule in our lab. We will test your iRule against load generators and measure the increased latency (if any) it may add. Testing in our lab lets us stay proactive and head off problems before they reach your production environments. Ideally, you will have a non-production or pre-production environment where we can further test the iRule with your application code. If not, you can rest assured we did everything possible to allow for successful implementation into production.
- Implementation: Once you have worked with your change control and scheduled a window for implementation, we’ll ensure our engineers are available if needed to attend the night of implementation. It’s not uncommon for our engineers to work through the night in the trenches with your application & development teams to ensure success on the night of cut.
- Post Implementation: After a successful implementation in production, you can rest assured we will be available if any issues arise or if further optimization & support is needed.
Our iRule Support Process
Oftentimes you have an iRule implemented and what you need is some support for changes. In that case, we will use much of the above process and test in our lab whenever possible. The same goes for version upgrades. As you may know, there are significant differences in iRules from TMOS versions 11-13 and versions 14+. We’ll stage your iRule in our lab on the exact or similar hardware & convert it to a new format compatible with your new version, ensuring a smooth & successful upgrade.
Contact us today for all your iRule consulting development & support